How can patterns and trens in age inequality be explained? Flashcards
what 3 perspectives can inequality be looked at from?
- conflict
- consensus
- social action
what do conflict theorists always focus on when explaining the cause for inequality?
they focus on the structural causes such as the needs of capitalism/patriarchy.
what don’t social action theorists look for, when explaining the causes of inequality?
the macro reasons
what type of approach do social action theorists take when explaining the causes of inequality?
a micro approach
what is part of social action theorist’s micro approach?
- looking for the many things that affect life chances
what do consensus theories focus on as the cause of inequality? why?
- that inequality can be the ‘victim’s fault’
- because consensus theorists believe maintaining social order is important for society
For what do consensus theories believe the old and young face inequality? give an example of this inequality.
- because they don’t have the necessary skills that others have
- e.g. young people less likely to be paid highly because they deserve less money as they have fewer skills
What do New Right theorists think inequality is the result of? Give an example relating to age!
- Cultural causes
- They blame youth unemployment on a whole generation by calling them lazy
What does Parsons believe that the norms and values of certain age groups can do? give examples!
threaten social stability, e.g. rebellious youth and dependent elderly
Which 2 sociologists focus on youth being a time for people to grow up and learn their new adult roles?
Parsons & Eisenstadt
What did Parsons & Eisenstadt say about the period of youth?
- it’s a time for people to grow up and earn their new adult roles which are important for society’s stability.
what does parson’s view on the function of youth help to explain?
even though some youth behave in a dysfunctional way to society, this can allow for a more integrated society later
How does young people experimenting with deviant activities lead to functional adults?
- institutions in society set up to deal with deviance
- they show young people how to behave leading to those kids becoming functional adults
what does parsons and Eisenstadt both say about elderly people and any supposed inequality in age?
age groups learn new roles that lead to further cohesion and solidarity in society e.g. elderly = source of childcare
do cummings and henry take a conflict or consensus approach to explaining age inequality?
consensus
what age group do cummings and henry look specifically at?
the elderly
what is cummings and henry’s disengagement theory?
- with ageing, people’s abilities deteriorate
- as this happens, there’s a mutual need for society and old person, to be relieved of some of their roles and responsibilities
who talks about disengagement theory?
Cummings and Henry
what do functionalists think about disengagement theory?
- functionalists realise that people leaving their role in society leaves a gap to be filled to keep social stability
- disengagement helps to manage that possible social instability
give an example of a managed disengagement?
Having a retirement age allows a managed disengagement , letting others take on the roles that old people cant fulfil anymore.
what is a common critique of functionalist and consensus views?
- they assume homogeneity when looking at society and inequality
- not all old people deteriorate at the same age or at all
what do critics say that consensus theories ignore by always looking at the happy stuff?
- that not all old people can take on a new role and stay happy
- not all youth will leave deviance behind!
